He helps his mother prepare dinner

Nicholas figured he should do some chores to keep his mom off his case for the night. He quickly cleaned his room and then went downstairs. “Mother, let me help you make dinner.” He offered, and she smiled. As they were making dinner, Mrs. Notts, while chopping a stalk of celery, said to her son, “Your father thinks it would be good for you to get out of the house.” Nicholas looked at her. “And what do you think, mother?” She turned to him. “I suppose I would be alright with it. You are getting older and you’ll have to get used to it someday.” This is great, he thought to himself, but tried not to make his happiness obvious. “I appreciate it, Mother. Thank you.” He said, graciously. “But I don’t want you going anywhere outrageous to begin with. I don’t know where you had on your mind, but I will take you to the public library tonight. I know you’ve said you wanted to go. And then I will pick you up after.” Shit, Nicholas thought, I can’t go today. I need to make sure I don’t miss the show. “Uh, well maybe tonight is not the best night for going out.” Nicholas stammered. “Why not? What is it you’ll be doing instead?” His mother began probing, as she often did. She was very intimidating when she did this.